How to close background applications (PC only)

Knowledge Base Article ID: 54 ( Try another search )

Programs that run in the background or in the Windows system tray can also cause conflicts with applications. Background tasks can be closed using the Close Program dialog (Windows 95/98) or the Task Manager (Windows NT/2000/XP).

Please try closing all open applications normally than try running Headsprout. If the problem still exists, then follow the steps below to close any unnecessary applications running in the background:

Windows 95/98/Me:

1. Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys at the same time. A dialog box will display the active programs.
2. Close all active programs except explorer and systray, one at a time, by selecting each program and clicking the End Task button.
3. Repeat these steps until all programs except explorer and systray have been closed.
4. After all background tasks have been terminated, launch the application again.
5. If the application runs properly then one of the background tasks is in conflict with the application. Restart Windows normally and redo step 2, testing the application after ending each task. By process of elimination the conflicting background application can be identified.

Windows 2000:
You will need to make sure that you are logged in as an administrator and that you have disabled all the non Default Processes. Please use the link provided to view the list of default processes in Windows 2000, Knowledge Base Article Number (Q263201).

Windows XP and Vista:

1. Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys at the same time. A dialog box will display with a series of buttons, select the Task Manager button to display a list of the active programs.
2. Close all active programs, one at a time, by selecting each program and clicking the End Task button.
3. Repeat these steps until all programs have been closed.
4. Stop or uninstall any antivirus and/or firewall programs you have installed.
5. Note: If your system locks up or reboots you will need to contact your computer manufacturer to find out how to close these programs for your system.
6. If you system locks up turn the power off (waiting 10 seconds) then back on.
7. After all background tasks have been terminated, launch the application again.
8. If the application runs properly then one of the background tasks is in conflict with the application. Restart Windows normally and redo step 2, testing the application after ending each task. By process of elimination the conflicting background application can be identified.
9. In Vista there is a Services tab where you can view all Services that are running. To stop a Service you feel might be causing a conflict click the Services tab. Then double click the appropriate service and select Stop. To access Services in XP click START->RUN enter services.msc then select OK.

Keywords: background programs apps Windows system tray conflict

Date last modified: 10/15/2007